Geography

Alaska's Homer/Lower Cook Inlet looks on the map like a
crack in the surface, and that is what it is, more or less. On the west side of the Inlet
the land is hilly or mountainous; on the east rises the Kenai Peninsula like a broad
plateau. To the south of Kachemak bay, an eastern extension of Cook Inlet, the land rises
to beautiful glaciated mountains. Cook Inlet is wide and can be rough. The waters are somewhat silty
during the summer months with glacial outwash. Kachemak Bay is somewhat more sheltered
but should also be boated with caution.

Transportation

Not particularly huge, the
"chicken" halibut
caught by these anglers, but tasty
nonetheless. Photo by David
Johnson

Homer is served by regular commuter flights from Anchorage. It is also connected to Anchorage by road.
The Alaska Marine Highway connects the community to Kodiak, Seward, and Prince William
Sound communities. Transportation to the Kamishak Bay area on the west side of Cook Inlet
is normally by float plane, although some larger boats may make the trip.

Planning Pointers

Angling in Homer is big business. The area can be
easily reached, has plenty of accommodations, and offers the finest in
halibut chartering. If you hope to fish and stay in this area,
pre-planning and reservations are essential.

Due to the popularity of the Homer Jackpot Halibut
Derby, Homer draws thousands of visitors. The derby is the state’s
richest and longest, and takes place from May until the end of
September. We recommend preplanning and reserving your accommodations
way ahead of time.

The same advice goes in arranging fishing
charters. Due to predictable tidal changes, some days have better tides
in which to fish. These opportunities are popular and sell out early.
Again, preplanning and reserving a seat on the boat can improve your
odds of fishing the better tides. Ask your skipper about optimum tides
and use his recommendations in bookings.

Our best advice is simple. Use the information
provided here, visit our sponsors, and start the entire process the
moment Homer becomes the community of your choice. You can find
comprehensive information about Homer fishing charters in our directory
and accommodations on the Homer Chamber of Commerce website.

And don’t forget Homer’s most popular “ace in the
hole”. Engineers dug a small lake with a trench to the sea years ago
right out on the Homer Spit. As the tide comes in the trench fills with
water and dumps fresh seawater and salmon into the lake. Known as the
Fishing Hole, this popular spot offers the angler a park and fishing
opportunity for kings and silvers. It is a popular spot for parents to
take their children to fish. It is easily accessible and wide open for
parents to teach or keep an eye on their children. Fishing does
not get any easier!

Best saltwater fishing times in
the Homer area (ADF&G data)

Species

Availability

Peak

King salmon

January through December

May through August

Coho salmon

June through October

July and August

Pink salmon

July through September

July and August

halibut

January through October

May through October

Dolly Varden

May through September

July and August

rockfish

year round

May through August

lingcod

July through December

July and August

Best freshwater fishing times in
the Homer area (ADF&G data)

Species

Availability

Peak

King salmon

May through September

June and July

Pink salmon

July through September

August

Chum salmon

June through September

July

Coho salmon

July through November

August

Dolly Varden

year round

June and July

Weather

The weather in Kachemak Bay can be fairly unpredictable, so always be prepared for rain or shine (especially rain and cool temperatures). Layering of clothing is recommended and
it's a must to bring your rain gear (pants and jacket). Waterproof footgear
with good traction is essential. Also, bring your gloves and a warm hat!